Donald
Cole, the author of “A Yankee in Kentucky: The Early Years of Amos Kendall,”
recounts the background and numerous influences that shaped this dynamic and diligent
supporter of Andrew Jackson. Cole traces
the personal choices, public ventures, and private dealings that directed and developed
Amos Kendall. Just as David of the Old
Testament was prepared as a boy to fight Goliath by warding off his sheep’s predators, Kendall’s youth providentially prepared him to
combat opposing political forces. With a
family devoted to Congregational theology and the pursuit of educational excellence,
Kendall quickly found himself developing strong religious convictions, an
intense love of learning, and practical writing and interpersonal skills during
his days at Dartmouth.[1] These early experiences equipped him to “hold
his own” in his future world of “rough-and tumble” politics.[2]
 |
| (A sketch of Dartmouth College in the early 19th century) |
George
Washington’s time surveying properties and fighting in the French and Indian
War as a young man provided experience that enabled him, as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, to maneuver his troops
in Revolutionary battles. Similarly, Kendall’s
time in Kentucky prepared him to navigate forthcoming political battles. His land speculation dealings in Lexington, gubernatorial
campaign work in Frankfurt, and writings on bank protocol during the Panic of
1819 bolstered a strong preference toward “hard money,” the physical removal of
Indians, and partisan networks.[3] These ideas would later perfectly coincide
with Jackson’s policies.
Like
the Lincoln family’s trek westward dramatically altered Abraham’s life and
legacy, so Kendall’s journey south to Kentucky and the personal choices made there
dramatically shaped his stance on many issues that would later parallel Jackson’s
views. For example, moving to Georgetown led Kendall
to the newspaper industry as the editor of the Minerva and cultivated insight regarding the possibility of partnering
with the post office to spread propaganda, a profitable tactic for future
campaign work.[4] Likewise, the proximity to, and friendship with, the Clay family introduced him to southern political principles and protocol. Cole rightfully notes how these personal
choices of employment and affiliations helped to prepare Kendall for political
life and a partnership with Jackson.
A
myriad of biblical principles can be extracted and applied from Kendall’s life
story. The power of family and educational influences cannot go
unnoticed when recalling his early years.
Proverbs 27:17, 1 Corinthians 15:33, and Proverbs 13:20 speak of wise counsel
and its inevitable effect on one’s life.
Kendall’s childhood and young adult years as a bachelor solidified his beliefs. Echoing this idea, Ecclesiastes 12:1 beseeches
one to "Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth..." Finally, the theme of providence is woven
throughout the tapestry of Kendall’s life.
From his schooling in New Hampshire to his stock-holdings in Kentucky to his work in the print industry, the superintending hand of God was guiding Kendall for the
purposeful, yet discreet role he would one day play in the shadow of Jackson. For Kendall, like all of us, the Lord’s “sovereignty
ruled over all.”[6] Indeed, Amos Kendall’s story is a reminder that purpose abounds within even the smallest detail of one’s life!
Works Cited
Barton, David. The Bulletproof George Washington. Aledo: Wallbuilders, 1990.
Cole, Donald B. "A Yankee in Kentucky: The Early Years of Amos Kendall, 1789-1828."
Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society 109 (1997): 24-36.
[1] Donald
B. Cole, “A
Yankee in Kentucky: The Early Years of Amos Kendall, 1789-1828,” Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical
Society 109 (1997): 25.
[2] Ibid., 27.
[3] Ibid., 30, 31, 34.
[4] Ibid, 31.
[5] Ibid., 34.
[6] Psalm 103: 19
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